Ute Vasina

Ute's Trolls 

A Fun Friendly Family of Trolls and Folly

Becka

Ute lived in Germany until the age of 12. She and her mother moved to the United States, she left her friends and language behind.  Ute had to learn to speak English and adapt to a new world.    As she thinks back at one of her fondness memories in Germany she things of Fastnacht.   In Germany they did not have Halloween but they did have Fastnacht, which happens in February. Instead of candy people gave out food.   Except for Munich's Oktoberfest, it is the one time of year when many normally staid Germans, Austrians and Swiss loosen up and go a little crazy. Fastnacht or Karneval is a "movable feast" The last Fastnacht she remembers she went as a cowgirl. Choosing to be a cowgirl is kind of ironic; because she ended up moving to America; the heart of Cowgirl country. 

Mushroom Keeper

As a youngster Ute loved playing in the woods and pick up twigs, pine cones and other things to make pretend animals. It is not surprising that her imagination goes to the woodlands when creating.  Her signature work has been in the land of Trolls.  If anyone can make trolls endearing Ute can.  She has a way of taking these broad features that are attributed in trolls and hobgoblins and turn them into a household of lovable creatures. As you can see for yourself.  Sweet little Becka and her pet duckling makes you go ahhhh. Who can resist the "Mushroom Keeper"  that takes her job of keeping mushrooms safe from harm. 

Steampunk Troll

Take a walk on the wild side with Ute!  Let loose of the traditional and pretty.  Check out this her newest class “Stanley”(Click Here) He is the old geezer of the family come to life.  All Cloth with Inset eyes, create hands with opposable thumbs and much more. Stanley is guaranteed to put a “BIG” smile on your face.  Not only will you come away with new tricks and techniques, but you’ll have a whole new outlook about cloth.

Henry

Debbie Jackson & Dawn Schiller

Two Polymer clay artist:

 Debbie Jackson & Dawn Schiller 

It is like comparing Apples and Oranges! 

Two Fruits but a different delightful taste!

Apples - Debbie Jackson

Oranges - Dawn Schiller

     I would like to introduce you to two very unique polymer clay artists.  Both are educators, teaching their style and techniques.  Both have been in numerous s galleries, magazines, and the focal point of many blogs.  Both are authors of their very own polymer clay “How to books”.  In 2013 both artists will be teaching at Artistic Figures in Cloth and Clay.  That is where the similarities end.  They both march to a totally different drummer. Check out their close up profiles and chime in if you have had either of these teachers, read their books or had a chance to purchase their art.

 Debbie Jackson

Debbie Jackson's book “Polymer Clay Jewelry” was published in 2004.  Debbie has appeared on the 'Carol Duvall Show' on HGTV, where she demonstrated a project from her book. Her business and web site “Debbie’s Adornments” show cases a sample of her work.  Debbie has a love for polymer clay and art dolls which has led her to create some very interesting jewelry.  Combining these two interests and her love of African and Asian patterns, textiles, rich colors and texture she has developed Jewelry that is true “Art doll makers accessory” 

Her attention to the smallest detail is apparent.  Just take a look at these brooches made with her caning technique”.  Debbie has sold her jewelry including her art doll pendants and earrings at AFICC.  Artist, students and visitors have drooled over her work. She has a strong recondition and popularity in the polymer clay society.   This year we are so fortunate to have her teaching and bringing a new dimension to our art doll community

   She has incorporated gorgeous cane work into this pendent. She will be teaching this type of Reversible Art Doll Pendent, which focuses on Cain.  If you want to learn how to manipulate polymer clay even further check out the earring class featuring design, color and texture.  (Check out her classes click here) Step out of your box and look at art dolls in a whole new way.  Adorn yourself with wearable dolls and learn techniques that can be used in full size dolls too. 

Debbie has not only taught but is very involved in her community art centers, and national polymer arts.  She is active in museum education and has served as president of the Columbus Polymer Clay Guild for several years. She is also a member of the Ohio Designer Craftsmen and participates in their annual Winterfair Art Show. Debbie is well known on a national level;  for several years she has served on the advisory board for the Polymer CAFE' magazine.

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Dawn Schiller

Dawn Schiller has just released her book “Fae Maker”.  This is a wonderful step by step book which features her award winning doll making techniques. 

 Dawn is an artist with a twist, and then twist her again. Or is that her little troll all that is twisted up?  Regardless she has a look, and style all her own. 

 Her web site name is Odd Fae, which should explain a lot.  Her work embraces twisted and bent trolls, sea and pod-dwelling hermits, odd fae, and mythological beasts. She ever so gently balances on a tight rope of odd and mystical.   Dawn shows and sells her work every year at Comic Con in San Diego. Her work is collected internationally and with out much more than a glace at her work you can see why.  She has a style that says "Stop look and wonder about how I was made."

 She is teaching her sweet little troll  from her book "Fae Maker",  Fetch at the up and convention in Columbus. (Check out her classes click here)  It is a two day class which goes over every step in detail.   Get some hands on experience with her at AFICC is the place to be on April 25-28, 2013.  She is teaching Eggcentric and Fetch where you will get the full Odd Fae package.

Dawn has been featured on blogs and magazines but most recently she presented a step by step editorial along with a Artist profile in Polymer Café magazine June 2012 issue. There are twenty seven pictures of sculptures alone.  The How to editorial has 63 step by step pictures accompanied by instructions.  She is a tremendously talented artist and devoted teacher. . You must pick up a copy if you can as I have never seen such detail pictures on “How to” create a odefae "Clancy". 

I think you understand now why I say Apples to Oranges.  Yes they both artist are extremely talented, both are educators and author.  Artistic Figures in Cloth and Clay could not be more delighted to give our students the opportunity to learn from these creative artist at the convention in 2013.